Leonora Tima, CEO and Founder of GRIT (Gender Rights In Tech) formerly Kwanele Bringing Women Justice began her career in youth work, where she witnessed the devastating effects of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
She saw how women and girls struggled to get emergency support in GBV situations and how the justice system remained largely inaccessible to many.
The normalisation and lack of addressing this violence profoundly affected her, especially after a tragic incident in her own family, where a young woman lost her life due to GBV. This personal tragedy ignited a fire within Leonora to take action.
Combining her passion for technology and women’s rights, she established GRIT with the goal of creating a platform that provides immediate support and resources for GBV survivors, making justice and assistance more accessible to those in need.
Leonora led the process of the co-creation of a revolutionary mobile app and an AI chatbot named Zuzi. The key difference in the technology that GRIT builds is that the survivors’ voices are held at the centre, ensuring that the community itself guides the development of the technology.
This approach guarantees that the tools are tailored to the actual needs and experiences of those affected by gender-based violence. This innovative tech duo empowers survivors throughout their journey, from the initial act of reporting to navigating the complexities of the justice system.
Since conception, Leonora’s leadership has been recognised with prestigious awards.
In 2023, she was named one of the 50 most inspiring women in technology by InspiringFifty Africa. The organisations innovative approach has also been awarded second place in Mozilla’s Responsible AI Challenge in San Francisco and highlighting their global impact, GRIT was also awarded the Bill & Melinda Gates Grand Challenges Award. These accolades stand as a testament to the transformative power of GRIT’s work.
From Kwanele to GRIT: A Rebranding with Strength
Kwanele, meaning “enough” in isiXhosa, served them well. Yet, as they grew, they felt the need for a name that encapsulated not only their mission but also the spirit of survivors.
That’s why they are proud to announce their rebranding to GRIT – Gender Rights In Tech. This new name embodies what they aim to do with the tech they build but also the resilience of all the survivors they walk with. Acknowledging the immense strength and GRIT it takes to navigate the South African Justice system, following an incident of GBV.
GRIT: Supporting Survivors Through Technology
Gender Rights in Tech, or GRIT is a leading feminist non-profit in the anti-GBV space, that uses innovative tech solutions to improve access to support and justice for survivors. They have harnessed the power of technology to make a difference.
Through their mobile application and AI chatbot, they facilitate reporting, provide guidance, connect survivors to legal professionals, and offer in-person court support and access to post-violence care. Through their dedicated WhatsApp line, they offer psychosocial support, legal guidance, and referrals.
The GRIT app equips survivors with the tools they need to take back control. The emergency panic button triggers an immediate armed response, with 20 seconds of live audio recording stored securely in a personal vault for potential evidence. The secure vault safeguards photos, documents, and any critical evidence for prosecution for up to 10 years.
GRIT understands the complexities surrounding GBV reporting. Fear and other factors can significantly delay a survivor’s decision to come forward. That’s why the app goes beyond evidence collection. It connects survivors with a vital support network – counseling, shelters, and legal aid – ensuring they are not left alone on their journey to healing and justice.
Driving Change: GRIT and getworth Join Forces
GRIT believes in the strength of collaboration and community involvement. In a move that underscores their commitment to building a safer future, get\Worth, a leading car sales platform, has formed a long-term partnership with GRIT. This innovative collaboration brings together two forces for good: getworth’s dedication to CSI initiatives and GRIT’s unwavering fight against GBV.
Here’s how it works: With every car purchased through getworth, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to support GRIT’s vital work. This partnership is a powerful testament to the impact that conscious consumerism can have in creating positive change.
Join the Movement: download, share, donate!
Here’s how you can be a part of the solution:
- Download the GRIT app (formerly Kwanele): This free app empowers survivors with immediate support and resources. Google play – http://bit.ly/3Xc39RE IOS – bit.ly/45jLsl0
- Spread the word: Share the GRIT app with your network. By raising awareness, you can help ensure more survivors know they are not alone.
- Donate to GRIT: Your contribution helps keep the app free and accessible, allowing more survivors to access vital support.
Banking details:
KWANELE – BRINGING WOMEN JUSTICE
STANDARD BANK
10 15 372 523 9
Download the app, donate, or share it with your network. Every action, big or small, brings us closer to a world free from GBV.
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Feature Image: Supplied
